From Barcelona to Brighton & Hove Albion, Frank Smith takes a look at the career of Watford's new head coach Oscar Garcia

New Watford head coach Oscar Garcia arguably did a better job at Brighton & Hove Albion than he will be remembered for.

Hornets fans who look at social media sites might see comments from Brighton fans which do not portray Garcia's reign in a particularly good light.

There have been suggestions his football was often boring and lacked penetration, particularly at home. And he has also been accused of lacking charisma.

But in his first season in English football, with an average squad and after suffering several key injuries, the Seagulls surprised most by securing a place in the play-offs in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season.

Part of the problem for Garcia was that he was not Gus Poyet. Under the energetic former Chelsea man, the Seagulls had been promoted to the Championship and subsequently finished fourth, before Poyet's controversial departure.

Poyet was a big personality who created a reputation for playing attractive football.

Garcia is a totally different manager and person, but that doesn't mean he didn't do a good job.

Watford fans know first hand that reaching the play-offs one season does not guarantee success the next and the 41-year-old coincidently used the Hornets as an example of that during his time at Brighton.

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The Seagulls did not strengthen much during Garcia's first summer at the club but did lose former England international Wayne Bridge.

Brighton had a similar squad to Poyet's but Garcia suffered badly during the season with injuries to key players, and it started on the opening week of the season.

Liam Bridcutt and Andrea Orlandi, two crucial players, suffered injuries in the first two games and - baring a 45-minute return for the latter - were both out until November. Leonardo Ulloa was sidelined for more than two months, Kazenga Lualua missed around six weeks and it didn't get any easier for Garcia during the second half of the season.

Bridcutt and Ashley Barnes were sold in January and Andrews Crofts missed the second half of the campaign with injury. Key players like Will Buckley also struggled for form.

But Garcia always found an answer; either tactically or by playing someone out of position. The Spaniard made the best of difficult situations.

Defensive organisation and their excellent away record were the cornerstones of Brighton's success. Only Burnley conceded less than Brighton's 40 goals last season and no other side let in less than the Seagulls' 19 on the road.

However, scoring was the problem. Brighton's 55 goals in 46 games was less than all of the other teams in the top 17 places in the Championship last season. Birmingham City, who finished 21st, even scored three more.

But Brighton still finished in the top six. And Garcia's attacking options have improved significantly at Watford. In the summer, Hornets defender Gabriel Tamas stated this team will always score goals and not conceding was the priority. If that is the case, then Garcia appears to be a good appointment.

The Golden Boys players will not have any issues from a language point of view, as Garcia is fluent in English. He also appears to favour the 4-3-3 formation with a clearly defined holding midfielder, which Watford were working on in the summer.

Garcia's first season in England ended on a low as Brighton were beaten 4-1 by Derby County in the play-off semi-final second leg. But it is worth noting that Brighton's defence, which had been so impressive during the regular campaign, was decimated for the game at Pride Park. Right-back Bruno and player-of-the-year Matthew Upson were out injured and Gordon Greer was forced off midway through the first half, with the score 0-0.

It ended on a devastating low but sixth place with Brighton's squad was an achievement nonetheless.

Garcia has accepted he did not work hard enough to maximise his potential as a player but has stated he won't do that as a manager.

The 41-year-old played with, and for, some of the greatest names in world football. He came through the ranks at Barcelona and his teammates included modern greats like the Brazilian Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Hristo Stoichkov, and Rivaldo, to name a few.

He names his first Barcelona manager, Johan Cruyff, as "the best" and learned a lot from the Dutch great, who revolutionised the Catalan side. Garcia was also coached by Bobby Robson, Loius van Gaal and also worked with Jose Mourinho whilst at Barca. Some of the greatest managers of their generation.

Garcia averaged a goal every three games during his six years with Barcelona's first team and 'B' team; making 148 appearances for the two sides. He also had spells at Albacete, Valencia, Espanyol and Lleida during his playing career. The new Hornets head coach also represented Spain through all the age groups but not the full team.

Garcia started his coaching career under Cruyff's son Jordi with the Catalonian national team.

He then spent two years coaching in Barcelona’s Academy before taking the role as head coach at Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2012.

Garcia spent one season with the Israeli club but it was a successful one as he guided the side to the first league title for a decade.

However, he resigned at the end of the campaign, citing personal reasons for his departure and joined Brighton.

He rejoined Maccabi again at the start of June after his year on the south coast but his second spell with the club lasted less than three months as he resigned once more on Tuesday. The club stated Garcia’s departure was down to the current security situation in Israel.

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Garcia stated he loves attacking football on his arrival at Brighton but it ended up becoming quite functional at the Amex Stadium, which has tainted the view of some Seagulls fans.

However, his reign was still successful and with improved tools to work with at Watford, Garcia is likely to relish the opportunity he now faces at Vicarage Road.

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Comments (28)

From Barcelona to Brighton & Hove Albion, Frank Smith takes a look at the career of Watford's new head coach Oscar Garcia

AngelHornet says...4:25pm Wed 3 Sep 14

If he plays 4-3-3 I don't see Vydra getting much of a look in. Plenty of other options though!

If he plays 4-3-3 I don't see Vydra getting much of a look in.
Plenty of other options though!AngelHornet

If he plays 4-3-3 I don't see Vydra getting much of a look in. Plenty of other options though!

Score: 3

andyhooked says...4:29pm Wed 3 Sep 14

Oscar's history means nowt. What matters is that Oscar is now at WFC and I hope that the players will be with him. Give Oscar a massive cheer when we are back at home for our next game. I can not make Blackpool but will be there at Charlton. Sing your hearts 1881 cos I am too lod for this.

Oscar's history means nowt. What matters is that Oscar is now at WFC and I hope that the players will be with him. Give Oscar a massive cheer when we are back at home for our next game. I can not make Blackpool but will be there at Charlton. Sing your hearts 1881 cos I am too lod for this.andyhooked

Oscar's history means nowt. What matters is that Oscar is now at WFC and I hope that the players will be with him. Give Oscar a massive cheer when we are back at home for our next game. I can not make Blackpool but will be there at Charlton. Sing your hearts 1881 cos I am too lod for this.

Score: 10

Wimbledonhorn says...4:31pm Wed 3 Sep 14

jaemae2 wrote…

The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.

Yes but for the reasons given above....

[quote][p][bold]jaemae2[/bold] wrote:
The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.[/p][/quote]Yes but for the reasons given above....Wimbledonhorn

jaemae2 wrote…

The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.

Yes but for the reasons given above....

Score: 9

hongkongyellow says...4:45pm Wed 3 Sep 14

what have seagull got to do with oscar.

what have seagull got to do with oscar.hongkongyellow

what have seagull got to do with oscar.

Score: -24

Kimpton kev says...4:57pm Wed 3 Sep 14

jaemae2 wrote…

The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.

yes maybe, but did he have the quality that watford have this season ? he certainly did not ! my only gripe is the ham baps are crap now and the tea tastes of bleach , do i sense the rose garden cometh :-))))))))

[quote][p][bold]jaemae2[/bold] wrote:
The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.[/p][/quote]yes maybe, but did he have the quality that watford have this season ? he certainly did not ! my only gripe is the ham baps are crap now and the tea tastes of bleach , do i sense the rose garden cometh :-))))))))Kimpton kev

jaemae2 wrote…

The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.

yes maybe, but did he have the quality that watford have this season ? he certainly did not ! my only gripe is the ham baps are crap now and the tea tastes of bleach , do i sense the rose garden cometh :-))))))))

Score: -9

andyhooked says...5:21pm Wed 3 Sep 14

Let's wait and see! We have class and Troy is working his socks off. It would need the worst coach under the sun not to take us up and I do not think Oscar will do us bad. Best wish is that Oscar does not rotate players and keeps Hoban as a centre pice of our defence and sorts out our sometimes weakness at the back.

Let's wait and see! We have class and Troy is working his socks off. It would need the worst coach under the sun not to take us up and I do not think Oscar will do us bad. Best wish is that Oscar does not rotate players and keeps Hoban as a centre pice of our defence and sorts out our sometimes weakness at the back.andyhooked

Let's wait and see! We have class and Troy is working his socks off. It would need the worst coach under the sun not to take us up and I do not think Oscar will do us bad. Best wish is that Oscar does not rotate players and keeps Hoban as a centre pice of our defence and sorts out our sometimes weakness at the back.

Score: 13

Bobbyhowfield says...5:22pm Wed 3 Sep 14

A priority this season is to find out where Norwich get their pies and order a few ton.

A priority this season is to find out where Norwich get their pies and order a few ton.Bobbyhowfield

A priority this season is to find out where Norwich get their pies and order a few ton.

Score: 11

blokey says...5:26pm Wed 3 Sep 14

Yes Garcia is so boring he will stop Watford breaking quickly by running onto the pitch and rugby tackling Deeney, so that he sends the ball back to Gomes for a long painful build up. Very likely.

Yes Garcia is so boring he will stop Watford breaking quickly by running onto the pitch and rugby tackling Deeney, so that he sends the ball back to Gomes for a long painful build up.
Very likely.blokey

Yes Garcia is so boring he will stop Watford breaking quickly by running onto the pitch and rugby tackling Deeney, so that he sends the ball back to Gomes for a long painful build up. Very likely.

Score: 1

concernedofBrighton says...5:34pm Wed 3 Sep 14

@Frank Smith, the play off semi finals ended 6-2 in Derby's favour not 4-1 as you suggested. As for Oscar, I, along with many Brighton fans would have liked to see him stay and hopefully implement a style of attacking football, that for various reasons outlined in the article above was in short supply last season. It was a strange decision to go back to Maccabi Tel Aviv, only to leave so quickly! Anyway, Watford should benefit and are likely to be fighting for a play off place at the end of the season. I wish your club well, except of course when we play each other.

@Frank Smith, the play off semi finals ended 6-2 in Derby's favour not 4-1 as you suggested.
As for Oscar, I, along with many Brighton fans would have liked to see him stay and hopefully implement a style of attacking football, that for various reasons outlined in the article above was in short supply last season.
It was a strange decision to go back to Maccabi Tel Aviv, only to leave so quickly!
Anyway, Watford should benefit and are likely to be fighting for a play off place at the end of the season.
I wish your club well, except of course when we play each other.concernedofBrighton

@Frank Smith, the play off semi finals ended 6-2 in Derby's favour not 4-1 as you suggested. As for Oscar, I, along with many Brighton fans would have liked to see him stay and hopefully implement a style of attacking football, that for various reasons outlined in the article above was in short supply last season. It was a strange decision to go back to Maccabi Tel Aviv, only to leave so quickly! Anyway, Watford should benefit and are likely to be fighting for a play off place at the end of the season. I wish your club well, except of course when we play each other.

Score: 59

rickmansworth_robert says...6:04pm Wed 3 Sep 14

Think Garcia could be a bit of style over substance. Yes he has played and coached with the best but does he have the ability to go out there and produce the goods as a manager in the long-run? I'm not so sure Love what the Pozzos have done with our club but would personally have liked to see them go about the search for a new manager with a tad more ambition.

Think Garcia could be a bit of style over substance. Yes he has played and coached with the best but does he have the ability to go out there and produce the goods as a manager in the long-run? I'm not so sure
Love what the Pozzos have done with our club but would personally have liked to see them go about the search for a new manager with a tad more ambition.rickmansworth_robert

Think Garcia could be a bit of style over substance. Yes he has played and coached with the best but does he have the ability to go out there and produce the goods as a manager in the long-run? I'm not so sure Love what the Pozzos have done with our club but would personally have liked to see them go about the search for a new manager with a tad more ambition.

Score: -13

Roger "Studs" Joslyn says...6:24pm Wed 3 Sep 14

jaemae2 wrote…

The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.

Jaemae2 - "Boring and Lack Penetration" isn't that what the girls say about you?

[quote][p][bold]jaemae2[/bold] wrote:
The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.[/p][/quote]Jaemae2 - "Boring and Lack Penetration" isn't that what the girls say about you?Roger "Studs" Joslyn

jaemae2 wrote…

The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.

Jaemae2 - "Boring and Lack Penetration" isn't that what the girls say about you?

Score: 13

Roger "Studs" Joslyn says...6:26pm Wed 3 Sep 14

Roger "Studs" Joslyn wrote…

jaemae2 wrote…

The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.

Jaemae2 - "Boring and Lack Penetration" isn't that what the girls say about you?

Perhaps its got something to do with "Pinging Balls into the Box"

[quote][p][bold]Roger "Studs" Joslyn[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jaemae2[/bold] wrote:
The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.[/p][/quote]Jaemae2 - "Boring and Lack Penetration" isn't that what the girls say about you?[/p][/quote]Perhaps its got something to do with "Pinging Balls into the Box"Roger "Studs" Joslyn

Roger "Studs" Joslyn wrote…

jaemae2 wrote…

The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.

Jaemae2 - "Boring and Lack Penetration" isn't that what the girls say about you?

Perhaps its got something to do with "Pinging Balls into the Box"

Score: 10

Hornankey says...6:36pm Wed 3 Sep 14

Keep an open mind. It would be difficult to make our squad of talented attacking individuals play boring football.

Keep an open mind. It would be difficult to make our squad of talented attacking individuals play boring football.Hornankey

Keep an open mind. It would be difficult to make our squad of talented attacking individuals play boring football.

Score: 6

MainStandShambles says...6:47pm Wed 3 Sep 14

Well nobody can say that Frank Smith hasn't been up front and quick off the mark in trying to assuage some fans reservations about Garcia's abilities and track record. 'Well done young man' as Brian Clough would have said. A comprehensive article. The mention of 4-3-3 could make it awkward in getting the best out of Vydra though. If Garcia likes four at the back then fair enough but let's keep it as a two up front and bolster the midfield with quick-breaking wide men. A chance for Dyer to prove his worth perhaps?

Well nobody can say that Frank Smith hasn't been up front and quick off the mark in trying to assuage some fans reservations about Garcia's abilities and track record.
'Well done young man' as Brian Clough would have said. A comprehensive article.
The mention of 4-3-3 could make it awkward in getting the best out of Vydra though. If Garcia likes four at the back then fair enough but let's keep it as a two up front and bolster the midfield with quick-breaking wide men.
A chance for Dyer to prove his worth perhaps?MainStandShambles

Well nobody can say that Frank Smith hasn't been up front and quick off the mark in trying to assuage some fans reservations about Garcia's abilities and track record. 'Well done young man' as Brian Clough would have said. A comprehensive article. The mention of 4-3-3 could make it awkward in getting the best out of Vydra though. If Garcia likes four at the back then fair enough but let's keep it as a two up front and bolster the midfield with quick-breaking wide men. A chance for Dyer to prove his worth perhaps?

Score: 6

HunsburyHornet4 says...7:07pm Wed 3 Sep 14

hongkongyellow wrote…

what have seagull got to do with oscar.

Everything guv, he was their manager. Pay attention.

[quote][p][bold]hongkongyellow[/bold] wrote:
what have seagull got to do with oscar.[/p][/quote]Everything guv, he was their manager. Pay attention.HunsburyHornet4

hongkongyellow wrote…

what have seagull got to do with oscar.

Everything guv, he was their manager. Pay attention.

Score: 4

HunsburyHornet4 says...7:12pm Wed 3 Sep 14

andyhooked wrote…

Oscar's history means nowt. What matters is that Oscar is now at WFC and I hope that the players will be with him. Give Oscar a massive cheer when we are back at home for our next game. I can not make Blackpool but will be there at Charlton. Sing your hearts 1881 cos I am too lod for this.

No mate, you're never too lod.

[quote][p][bold]andyhooked[/bold] wrote:
Oscar's history means nowt. What matters is that Oscar is now at WFC and I hope that the players will be with him. Give Oscar a massive cheer when we are back at home for our next game. I can not make Blackpool but will be there at Charlton. Sing your hearts 1881 cos I am too lod for this.[/p][/quote]No mate, you're never too lod.HunsburyHornet4

andyhooked wrote…

Oscar's history means nowt. What matters is that Oscar is now at WFC and I hope that the players will be with him. Give Oscar a massive cheer when we are back at home for our next game. I can not make Blackpool but will be there at Charlton. Sing your hearts 1881 cos I am too lod for this.

No mate, you're never too lod.

Score: 6

Drewoneone says...7:15pm Wed 3 Sep 14

A very insightful article by Frank. I am sure he knows as well as the rest of us that a club always takes a step into the unknown when a new manager/head coach is appointed. The best coaches adapt to the squad they have available - as it appears Oscar did with Brighton. I hadn't realised what an injury nightmare they had, so to get to the play-offs was even more remarkable. The system he adopts will have to make the best use of the talent at his disposal, so quoting him favouring 4-3-3 is based on what happened at Brighton. I am sure Troy will keep him informed of what is required! So many posters on this site have longed for a tighter defence - maybe that wish will come true now. The attacking options will remain because of the power of our striking armoury. These players have been together for a while now (albeit Matej has been away for a year) and will always work together to keep scoring goals. Oscar has a tough task on his hands. Most new managers come in to improve the new team's league position. Therefore first place is now the requirement - no pressure eh?! We as fans need to get behind the new man and his team - to replicate the noise at the end of Huddersfield game would be a great start! Can't wait for my trip to The Valley (remember the season before last - what a night!) COYH!!

A very insightful article by Frank. I am sure he knows as well as the rest of us that a club always takes a step into the unknown when a new manager/head coach is appointed. The best coaches adapt to the squad they have available - as it appears Oscar did with Brighton. I hadn't realised what an injury nightmare they had, so to get to the play-offs was even more remarkable.
The system he adopts will have to make the best use of the talent at his disposal, so quoting him favouring 4-3-3 is based on what happened at Brighton. I am sure Troy will keep him informed of what is required!
So many posters on this site have longed for a tighter defence - maybe that wish will come true now. The attacking options will remain because of the power of our striking armoury. These players have been together for a while now (albeit Matej has been away for a year) and will always work together to keep scoring goals.
Oscar has a tough task on his hands. Most new managers come in to improve the new team's league position. Therefore first place is now the requirement - no pressure eh?!
We as fans need to get behind the new man and his team - to replicate the noise at the end of Huddersfield game would be a great start! Can't wait for my trip to The Valley (remember the season before last - what a night!)
COYH!!Drewoneone

A very insightful article by Frank. I am sure he knows as well as the rest of us that a club always takes a step into the unknown when a new manager/head coach is appointed. The best coaches adapt to the squad they have available - as it appears Oscar did with Brighton. I hadn't realised what an injury nightmare they had, so to get to the play-offs was even more remarkable. The system he adopts will have to make the best use of the talent at his disposal, so quoting him favouring 4-3-3 is based on what happened at Brighton. I am sure Troy will keep him informed of what is required! So many posters on this site have longed for a tighter defence - maybe that wish will come true now. The attacking options will remain because of the power of our striking armoury. These players have been together for a while now (albeit Matej has been away for a year) and will always work together to keep scoring goals. Oscar has a tough task on his hands. Most new managers come in to improve the new team's league position. Therefore first place is now the requirement - no pressure eh?! We as fans need to get behind the new man and his team - to replicate the noise at the end of Huddersfield game would be a great start! Can't wait for my trip to The Valley (remember the season before last - what a night!) COYH!!

Score: 10

gloryhornet4 says...7:22pm Wed 3 Sep 14

I don't care if he was given credit at Brighton. It is what he does in the remaining 41 league games I care about. Another 79 points should secure 2nd spot at least. As said above no pressure - we owe Charlton another home defeat and soon it will be our turn to turn over Blackpool - 79 and falling.

I don't care if he was given credit at Brighton.
It is what he does in the remaining 41 league games I care about. Another 79 points should secure 2nd spot at least.
As said above no pressure - we owe Charlton another home defeat and soon it will be our turn to turn over Blackpool - 79 and falling.gloryhornet4

I don't care if he was given credit at Brighton. It is what he does in the remaining 41 league games I care about. Another 79 points should secure 2nd spot at least. As said above no pressure - we owe Charlton another home defeat and soon it will be our turn to turn over Blackpool - 79 and falling.

Score: 2

DuncanWelbourne'sshinpad says...7:29pm Wed 3 Sep 14

FFS why are we debating all this ? The Guy has pedigree and like all coaches will work with the talent given him . Wasn't Mourinho boring on occasions and look what he has achieved. Can't we just shut the f**k up, get behind the Man and judge him after Christmas .

FFS why are we debating all this ? The Guy has pedigree and like all coaches will work with the talent given him . Wasn't Mourinho boring on occasions and look what he has achieved. Can't we just shut the f**k up, get behind the Man and judge him after Christmas .DuncanWelbourne'sshinpad

FFS why are we debating all this ? The Guy has pedigree and like all coaches will work with the talent given him . Wasn't Mourinho boring on occasions and look what he has achieved. Can't we just shut the f**k up, get behind the Man and judge him after Christmas .

Score: 30

Seagull68 says...7:31pm Wed 3 Sep 14

I don't get where the reporter is coming from. I would say that the vast majority of Albion fans liked Oscar. He did a good job with all our injuries. Who knows what he would have done with a fully fit squad? His song was sung at least twice every game, I don't call that us not liking him. Anyway have a good season, lets hope we will be the top two at the end. UTA

I don't get where the reporter is coming from. I would say that the vast majority of Albion fans liked Oscar. He did a good job with all our injuries. Who knows what he would have done with a fully fit squad? His song was sung at least twice every game, I don't call that us not liking him. Anyway have a good season, lets hope we will be the top two at the end.
UTASeagull68

I don't get where the reporter is coming from. I would say that the vast majority of Albion fans liked Oscar. He did a good job with all our injuries. Who knows what he would have done with a fully fit squad? His song was sung at least twice every game, I don't call that us not liking him. Anyway have a good season, lets hope we will be the top two at the end. UTA

Score: 36

santa-says says...7:39pm Wed 3 Sep 14

Good article..........fil ls in many blanks - thanks...........ver y pleased he speaks fluent English, seriously with so few home grown in the team, will be good to hear - players may even benefit from a consistent language (especially the defence)? Great experience .........even in this league and a pedigree to be proud of.......all the very best Oscar Garcia - we will be with you

Good article..........fil
ls in many blanks - thanks...........ver
y pleased he speaks fluent English, seriously with so few home grown in the team, will be good to hear - players may even benefit from a consistent language (especially the defence)?
Great experience .........even in this league and a pedigree to be proud of.......all the very best Oscar Garcia - we will be with yousanta-says

Good article..........fil ls in many blanks - thanks...........ver y pleased he speaks fluent English, seriously with so few home grown in the team, will be good to hear - players may even benefit from a consistent language (especially the defence)? Great experience .........even in this league and a pedigree to be proud of.......all the very best Oscar Garcia - we will be with you

Score: 11

DJ11WFC says...9:24pm Wed 3 Sep 14

One important thing for me that everyone is missing, is how well/together the team is. If comments are true that BS announced to the team a few weeks ago he was off, look at how well and hard they worked for each other at Rotherham/Leeds and of course the courageous ending on Saturday against Huddersfield with10men. Please don't underestimate the drive of deeney et.al to make this work. He certainly wouldn't have a signed a new contract if he didn't believe in the cause. I think the team will be coached off the field by Garcia, whom I think will excel and prove his worth, but on match day it's down to the players...I am more than confident Watford will achieve this season. As Saturday proved we (fans) have a role to play in this....getting behind the team, even when things aren't going our way is crucial. We will inevitably go through a sticky patch this season, let's get behind team and manager and achieve what we have the capabilities of achieving. Uorns!!!!

One important thing for me that everyone is missing, is how well/together the team is. If comments are true that BS announced to the team a few weeks ago he was off, look at how well and hard they worked for each other at Rotherham/Leeds and of course the courageous ending on Saturday against Huddersfield with10men.
Please don't underestimate the drive of deeney et.al to make this work. He certainly wouldn't have a signed a new contract if he didn't believe in the cause.
I think the team will be coached off the field by Garcia, whom I think will excel and prove his worth, but on match day it's down to the players...I am more than confident Watford will achieve this season.
As Saturday proved we (fans) have a role to play in this....getting behind the team, even when things aren't going our way is crucial. We will inevitably go through a sticky patch this season, let's get behind team and manager and achieve what we have the capabilities of achieving.
Uorns!!!!DJ11WFC

One important thing for me that everyone is missing, is how well/together the team is. If comments are true that BS announced to the team a few weeks ago he was off, look at how well and hard they worked for each other at Rotherham/Leeds and of course the courageous ending on Saturday against Huddersfield with10men. Please don't underestimate the drive of deeney et.al to make this work. He certainly wouldn't have a signed a new contract if he didn't believe in the cause. I think the team will be coached off the field by Garcia, whom I think will excel and prove his worth, but on match day it's down to the players...I am more than confident Watford will achieve this season. As Saturday proved we (fans) have a role to play in this....getting behind the team, even when things aren't going our way is crucial. We will inevitably go through a sticky patch this season, let's get behind team and manager and achieve what we have the capabilities of achieving. Uorns!!!!

Score: 12

Andrew1963 says...10:43pm Wed 3 Sep 14

It's all about context isn't it. If he gets promotion grinding out results, all will be well. This squad in the premiership would need to be very disciplined in possesion and less expansive as the opponents will be far superior to championship teams. So style and systems are not simply about the quality of players at your disposal, but also how competitive they are in comparison to the rest of the league. Fail to get promotion playing football like the first Zola season and people will claim replacing Sanino was a mistake.

It's all about context isn't it. If he gets promotion grinding out results, all will be well. This squad in the premiership would need to be very disciplined in possesion and less expansive as the opponents will be far superior to championship teams. So style and systems are not simply about the quality of players at your disposal, but also how competitive they are in comparison to the rest of the league. Fail to get promotion playing football like the first Zola season and people will claim replacing Sanino was a mistake.Andrew1963

It's all about context isn't it. If he gets promotion grinding out results, all will be well. This squad in the premiership would need to be very disciplined in possesion and less expansive as the opponents will be far superior to championship teams. So style and systems are not simply about the quality of players at your disposal, but also how competitive they are in comparison to the rest of the league. Fail to get promotion playing football like the first Zola season and people will claim replacing Sanino was a mistake.

Score: 2

jimbowfc says...11:13pm Wed 3 Sep 14

Bobbyhowfield wrote…

A priority this season is to find out where Norwich get their pies and order a few ton.

Delia I expect ;-)

[quote][p][bold]Bobbyhowfield[/bold] wrote:
A priority this season is to find out where Norwich get their pies and order a few ton.[/p][/quote]Delia I expect ;-)jimbowfc

Bobbyhowfield wrote…

A priority this season is to find out where Norwich get their pies and order a few ton.

Delia I expect ;-)

Score: 3

northofwatfordpete says...7:57am Thu 4 Sep 14

I trust the Pozzos to have done their homework.

I trust the Pozzos to have done their homework.northofwatfordpete

I trust the Pozzos to have done their homework.

Score: -1

hongkongyellow says...10:51am Thu 4 Sep 14

oscar make 138 and asia proud. when we have oscar face on bus?

oscar make 138 and asia proud. when we have oscar face on bus?hongkongyellow

oscar make 138 and asia proud. when we have oscar face on bus?

Score: -1

worthing_hornet says...5:32pm Thu 4 Sep 14

Seagull68 wrote…

I don't get where the reporter is coming from. I would say that the vast majority of Albion fans liked Oscar. He did a good job with all our injuries. Who knows what he would have done with a fully fit squad? His song was sung at least twice every game, I don't call that us not liking him. Anyway have a good season, lets hope we will be the top two at the end. UTA

I'm sure you're right and like all things there are fans who go one way and fans who go the other. I know a couple of ST holders who never miss a game at Brighton and I think it was the 'he's not Poyet' factor, as they said , 'well that's exciting football gone for Watford then' when they found out about the appointment. then again weren't chelsea fans and their owner moaning when Mourinho had them grinding out 1 - 0 wins? As ever give the man a chance and hopefully 1) he'll unite the dressing room - if it needs it and 2) will be taking us up at the end of the season.

[quote][p][bold]Seagull68[/bold] wrote:
I don't get where the reporter is coming from. I would say that the vast majority of Albion fans liked Oscar. He did a good job with all our injuries. Who knows what he would have done with a fully fit squad? His song was sung at least twice every game, I don't call that us not liking him. Anyway have a good season, lets hope we will be the top two at the end.
UTA[/p][/quote]I'm sure you're right and like all things there are fans who go one way and fans who go the other. I know a couple of ST holders who never miss a game at Brighton and I think it was the 'he's not Poyet' factor, as they said , 'well that's exciting football gone for Watford then' when they found out about the appointment.
then again weren't chelsea fans and their owner moaning when Mourinho had them grinding out 1 - 0 wins? As ever give the man a chance and hopefully 1) he'll unite the dressing room - if it needs it and 2) will be taking us up at the end of the season.worthing_hornet

Seagull68 wrote…

I don't get where the reporter is coming from. I would say that the vast majority of Albion fans liked Oscar. He did a good job with all our injuries. Who knows what he would have done with a fully fit squad? His song was sung at least twice every game, I don't call that us not liking him. Anyway have a good season, lets hope we will be the top two at the end. UTA

I'm sure you're right and like all things there are fans who go one way and fans who go the other. I know a couple of ST holders who never miss a game at Brighton and I think it was the 'he's not Poyet' factor, as they said , 'well that's exciting football gone for Watford then' when they found out about the appointment. then again weren't chelsea fans and their owner moaning when Mourinho had them grinding out 1 - 0 wins? As ever give the man a chance and hopefully 1) he'll unite the dressing room - if it needs it and 2) will be taking us up at the end of the season.

Score: 0

worthing_hornet says...5:35pm Thu 4 Sep 14

Roger "Studs" Joslyn wrote…

Roger "Studs" Joslyn wrote…

jaemae2 wrote…

The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.

Jaemae2 - "Boring and Lack Penetration" isn't that what the girls say about you?

Perhaps its got something to do with "Pinging Balls into the Box"

"who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play." that was basically the Hoofroyd era wasn't it? I'm sure with better tools in the box, he can produce a better product! In Garcia we trust

[quote][p][bold]Roger "Studs" Joslyn[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Roger "Studs" Joslyn[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jaemae2[/bold] wrote:
The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.[/p][/quote]Jaemae2 - "Boring and Lack Penetration" isn't that what the girls say about you?[/p][/quote]Perhaps its got something to do with "Pinging Balls into the Box"[/p][/quote]"who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play."
that was basically the Hoofroyd era wasn't it?
I'm sure with better tools in the box, he can produce a better product! In Garcia we trustworthing_hornet

Roger "Studs" Joslyn wrote…

Roger "Studs" Joslyn wrote…

jaemae2 wrote…

The reason people say his play was boring and lacked penetration was because IT WAS BORING AND LACKED PENETRATION. It has absolutely ZERO to do with him not being Gus Poyet. That Brighton team was brutal to watch, one of the slowest paced teams who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play. Granted he got results, but it was painful football.

Jaemae2 - "Boring and Lack Penetration" isn't that what the girls say about you?

Perhaps its got something to do with "Pinging Balls into the Box"

"who really only scored from set pieces or pinging the ball indiscriminately into the box. There was basically zero build up attacking play." that was basically the Hoofroyd era wasn't it? I'm sure with better tools in the box, he can produce a better product! In Garcia we trust

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